Testing During Pregnancy

Prenatal Diagnosis

These tests include:

• High-resolution ultrasound
• Fetal heart studies
• Fetal echocardiogram
• Amniocentesis
• Umbilical blood sampling
• Chorionic villus sampling

Antepartum Fetal Testing

There are three different types of testing:

• Nonstress Test
  This is a test in which the doctor checks to see how your baby’s heart rate responds when the baby moves around.
• Contraction Stress Test
  This is a test in which the doctor checks the baseline fetal heart rate and how it responds to the mother’s contractions.
• Biophysical Profile
  This is a test in which ultrasound is used to evaluate your baby’s movement, tone, and breathing. The volume of amniotic fluid is also checked.

Medical Genetics

Services include genetic testing using:

• Amniocentesis
• Chorionic villus sampling
• Maternal serum screening for Down syndrome and spina bifida

Services also include counseling for conditions such as:

• Cystic fibrosis
• Tay-Sachs disease
• Sickle cell
• Hemophilia
• Muscular dystrophy
• And other genetic conditions

Other Services:

• Patient education
• Resource network to refer you to other required services (for example: patients with diabetes may be referred to a registered dietitian)
• Computer searches to see if a particular chemical or drug, which you may have been exposed to, could cause abnormalities

More About Our Tests and Consultation

Multiple Marker Screening is a simple, quick blood test that calculates risk for certain birth defects such as Down syndrome or neural tube defects. Results are received in about one week.

Obstetrical Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves. These sound waves pass through the mother’s abdomen and provide a picture of the baby. Ultrasound does not involve X-rays and does not pierce your skin. Ultrasound may be used to measure the amount of amniotic fluid.

Electronic Fetal Monitoring provides information about the baby’s condition by checking the baby’s heart rate. The nonstress test measures how your baby’s heart rate responds when the baby moves.

Fetal Echocardiogram is a specialized ultrasound examination performed during pregnancy that provides and in-depth look at the baby’s heart. This test is performed (between 18 to 22 weeks of gestation) to diagnose a congenital heart defect in the baby.  Detecting problems with a baby’s heart before it is born not only improves the baby’s chances for survival but can shorten the time the baby is required to stay in the hospital after birth.

Genetic Amniocentesis detects certain types of abnormalities in the baby. It is usually done between the fourth and fifth months of pregnancy; however, an early amniocentesis can be done between the third and fourth months. Under ultrasound guidance, the doctor inserts a needle through your abdomen and removes a small amount of fluid from the uterus. Results are ready in two weeks.  You may benefit from amniocentesis when your baby is at risk for abnormality because of your age (if you are 35 years or older you are at higher risk of having an infant with Down syndrome), a family history of abnormality, or if ultrasound has indicated a fetal abnormality.

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) is usually performed between the second and third months of pregnancy. CVS can detect chromosome abnormalities (such as Down syndrome) or genetic disorders. There are two different CVS techniques. Using ultrasound as guidance, your doctor will either insert a needle into your abdomen or a catheter (a thin, flexible hollow tube) through your cervix into your uterus. In both techniques, the doctor removes a microscopic (very small) sample of tissue from the placenta. Results take about one week to 10 days.

Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling (PUBS) is sometimes done when an abnormality, fetal infection or genetic disease is suspected. The procedure is similar to amniocentesis. In PUBS, though, the doctor inserts a needle into the umbilical cord and removes a small sample of the baby’s blood. PUBS is usually performed after the fifth month of pregnancy when a needle can more easily be inserted into the umbilical cord.

Consultation and Counseling involves the patient, parents, and significant others, the maternal-fetal medicine specialist and a genetic counselor. During the session, the doctor obtains your genetic history and that of your parents (if necessary). This information is used to let you know about possible risks, answer questions, and provide treatment options.

Will Insurance Cover the Costs?

Many insurance companies cover these costs. If you are covered under an HMO plan, your Woman’s doctor will call the insurance company to obtain the necessary preauthorization for services. If we can help, please call us.

Scheduling an Appointment

Call the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Center at 225-924-8338. Hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.

Location

The Maternal-Fetal Medicine Center is located in Suite 370 on the third floor of Physician’s Tower I building.